Well here it is, finally. The pictures and description of the "non traditionally" mounted katana, utilizing "traditional" construction methods with some modern and not so modern materials. An "eclectic mix" so to speak. 3/24/99
Here are a couple of shots from the digital camera giving an overall view.
The details:
Blade: Material is C-1086 modified forged from 1 3/8" round stock. Nagasa (length from machi to kissaki) is 26 1/2", and the copper habaki adds 3/4" to give an effective length of 27 1/4". The nakago (tang) is 7 3/4", in the kiji-momo or "pheasant thigh" shape. The width at the machi (motohaba) is 1 3/16" (1.185") and the maximum thickness at this point through the shinogi is 1/4" (.255) with a slight diamond section shape to the blade so that the mune is narrower than the shinogi. There is a distal taper in all planes, and the width at the yokote (sakehaba) is just under 3/4" (.730"), with the thickness through the shinogi at this point being 3/16" (.185"). There is a flare at the tip, and the point style is short (I would call it ko-kissaki "small point"). It has deep sori of 1" and is pretty centered to make it tori-zori. The hamon is notare, with ashi lines and also yaki-mune in great abundance. This is a very light and fast sword.
The first picture is of the blade from the middle to the kissaki.
Here is a section starting from the tang out to the middle. It shows the shape if the tang, the kanji (big ear) and the file pattern as well as the mekugi-ana.
Koshira (mounts): The tsuka is fossilized oosic that is mostly cream/tan/buff colored with a few highlights of brown, blue, and greenish areas. The nakago (tang) was bedded into the bone with "Brownell's Acraglas" a fiberglass filled polyester resin compound that is quite strong and results in a perfect fit between the tang and the handle. The oosic was also filled with the same resin for additional strength to the bone (which is quite strong to begin with). The tsuba and the fuchi are made from Cupronickel, an alloy of copper and nickel that has a pleasing bronze color. Seppa are made from blue anodized titanium (because I could) and fileworked around the perimeter in fine lines at 24 per inch.
Saya: Is made from yellow poplar, hand inletted to fit the blade with chisels, and then laquered with 4 coats of blue, and 3 coats of clear over the top. The trip parts (koiguchi, kurikata, and the tip whatever that is called) are made from fossilized walrus ivory with a very pleasant color that nicely compliments the blue.
I made every single piece of this sword and it's mounts (with the exceptions of the raw materials them selves) and it is the first time I have vere done this (and may be the last, I prefer bladesmithing). It is also my polishing work. So, if you would like to own a unique piece, utilizing an eclectic blend of old and new materials and technology, this would be a fine choice. There is only one like it in the world.
Price $4500 US plus shipping and insurance.